The Packers travel to Houston to take on the Texans at 1 p.m. ET. The Texans are 1-5 on the season, but I would not look into their record too much as they have lost to the Chiefs, Ravens, Steelers and Titans, which are four of the top teams in the AFC. The Packers on the other hand are looking to bounce back from the drubbing they took in Tampa Bay last week. The Packers will also be without left tackle David Bakhtiari and running back Aaron Jones.

Packers vs Texans

  • When: Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 1 p.m. ET
  • Where: RNG Stadium, Houston, Texas
  • TV: Fox
  • Commentators: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
  • Points Spread: Packers favored by 3.5 points
  • All-Time Series: Packers lead 3-1

3 Things to Watch

How the Packers handle injuries

The Packers will be without their starting left tackle David Bakhtiari and starting running back Aaron Jones. Now, Jones did say that he could go but the Packers are being cautious with him and are keeping him out. It will be up to Jamaal Williams and rookie AJ Dillon to carry the load out of the backfield. As for Bakhtiari’s spot, the Packers have not announced who will start in his place as of this writing, but they do have several options. What they could do is move right tackle Billy Turner to the left tackle spot and have Rick Wagner start at right tackle. They could also move left guard Elgton Jenkins over to left tackle or start Rick Wagner at left tackle. Whoever is at left tackle, they are protecting the blind side of the franchise. This is a lot of trust before Rodgers and Bakhtiari, so whoever replaces him, Rodgers is going to have to have faith in them.

Texans passing attack vs Packers secondary

Deshaun Watson is a mobile quarterback that can extend the play and scramble when the play breaks down. He is the type of quarterback that the Packers have struggled against in the past. In the first 6 weeks of the 2020 NFL season, Watson has thrown 13 touchdowns and leads the league yards per attempt. Also, his passer rating, which is a measurement of quarterback success, has been over 100 the past four games. So, not only can he use his legs to extend the play, he is accurate. One of Watson’s targets includes a former target of Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb. He is averaging nearly 10 yards per reception and has nearly 300 yards on the season and two touchdowns. Granted, Cobb is averaging 3.5 receptions a game, he is making the most of his opportunities. The Packers secondary is going to have account for him in the slot. The Packers secondary was burned last week against Tom Brady. We can forget about that game, because overall it was bad. The Packers defense is going to have to get pressure on Watson, contain him and not allow him to extend the play because that is where he could beat King and Alexander and the Packers secondary. I do think that the Packers secondary will have numerous opportunities to create turnovers.

Packers haven’t lost two in a row in Matt LaFleur era

Last season, in head coach Matt LaFleur’s first season, the Packers lost 3 games. After each loss, the Packers rebounded and won their next game. The Packers have never lost to the Texans in Houston and even more astonishing the Packers have won their last six games in state of Texas, including a victory in Super Bowl XLV. That is quite the winning streak the franchise has in the state of Texas.

Final Analysis

The Packers head down to Houston and take care of business, against an opponent they do not play very much. It doesn’t matter if they blow the Texans out or if they only win by a field goal, a win is a win. Being down two of your top players on offense will provide a challenge, so it is just survive and move on to next week. The Packers will hopefully bounce back from last week and get back to their winning ways.

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag